Eric J. Gitig

Eric J. Gitig is a Principal in Jackson Lewis’ Los Angeles office and a dedicated advocate for employers navigating California’s complex and ever-changing employment laws. In a state where regulations impose onerous obligations and grant employees sweeping rights, Eric stands out for his creative legal solutions and commitment to helping businesses prevent disputes before they arise.

Eric’s litigation practice spans all aspects of California employment law, with a particular focus on defending companies in class actions and representative claims under the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). He has extensive experience handling complex wage and hour matters—including overtime, meal and rest periods, off-the-clock work, misclassification, and expense reimbursement claims—and has secured favorable rulings to limit the scope of class/PAGA actions and substantially reduce his client’s potential exposure.  Eric also regularly litigates individual claims for wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and has successfully represented clients in state tax audits involving independent contractor classifications.  When a conflict arises, Eric considers himself an extension of his clients’ business teams and partners closely with organizations to devise practical resolutions that both resolve immediate workplace disputes and proactively minimize future risk. 

Beyond litigation, Eric serves as a strategic partner to employers on day-to-day personnel issues and long-term risk management. He conducts workplace audits and investigations, counsels on wage and hour compliance, and helps organizations anticipate and adapt to regulatory changes and emerging trends. His proactive guidance empowers clients to navigate a legal framework that frequently prioritizes employee claims over business realities and helps reduce the likelihood of costly disputes.  Eric has significant experience working with clients in the hotel, restaurant, manufacturing, retail, and logistics industries.  He leverages these partnerships and his industry-specific knowledge to craft tailored legal strategies for his clients.

Eric regularly presents on California wage and hour issues and PAGA developments for industry groups, HR associations, and continuing legal education programs.

Prior to joining Jackson Lewis, Eric represented employees for more than six years in New York City, focusing on wage and hour class actions and discrimination claims—a background that gives him unique insight into both sides of workplace disputes.